{"id":26554,"date":"2020-12-31T10:00:48","date_gmt":"2020-12-31T14:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=26554"},"modified":"2020-12-31T11:59:43","modified_gmt":"2020-12-31T15:59:43","slug":"out-to-pasture-these-cars-arent-coming-back-in-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2020\/12\/out-to-pasture-these-cars-arent-coming-back-in-2021","title":{"rendered":"Out to pasture: These cars aren’t coming back in 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

A long list of sedans introduced with great fanfare just a few years ago have been quietly retired for the 2021 model year.<\/p>\n

The industry is experiencing radical change, and vehicles have to prove relevant to keep up. Sedans\u00a0have been displaced by SUVs as Americans\u2019 favorite vehicles. Trucks are the new lux. Manufacturers are pouring money into electrics to satisfy goveSearch Assets rnment mandates. And electronics are changing everything.<\/p>\n

Here’s a farewell to vehicles we won\u2019t be seeing next year.<\/p>\n

\"Acura<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Acura RLX<\/h3>\n

Acura\u2019s flagship sedan is packing it in. The big sled boasted a hybrid V-6 derived from Acura’s NSX supercar, a trunkload of standard technology, and an affordable starting price. But it\u00a0never was able to slug it out with luxury heavyweights like BMW and Mercedes. Honda is rebirthing its luxury line as a performance brand and the tame RLX doesn\u2019t fit the new narrative. Acura’s smaller sedans are quick and athletic, while large and\u00a0nimble SUVs like the MDX are customers\u2019 preferred sleds.<\/p>\n

\"Alfa<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Alfa Romeo 4C<\/h3>\n

Alfa Romeo\u2019s sensational coupe ends its run as America\u2019s only sports car under $100,000\u00a0with a carbon-fiber chassis. Introduced as the performance standard for\u00a0the brand\u2019s expanded sedan and SUV lineup, the wee 4C was a grown-up\u2019s toy. With pin-point handling and a farty exhaust note, the 2,500-pounder was a great escape pod from daily life. Just don\u2019t venture too far from home: cargo room was virtually non-existent. The 4C goes out in style with the final edition Spider 33 Stradale Tributo. Honoring the legendary\u00a01967 Alfa 33 Stradale race car, it\u2019s dressed exclusively in Rosso Villa d\u2019Este paint with gray-gold\u00a0alloy wheels.<\/p>\n

\"BMW<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

BMW i8<\/h3>\n

The i8 was the first mid-engine BMW since the legendary\u00a01979-1980 M1. The exotic i8 stopped traffic with its gorgeous design, including scissor doors, multi-colored kidney grille\u00a0and swept hips. The all-wheel drive hybrid was powered by a three-cylinder gas engine mated to a front electric motor. If the M1 launched the Bavarian brand\u2019s iconic M-performance badge, the i8 was supposed to introduce a new, battery-powered BMW to the world. But the i8 lacked an identity \u2014 it had supercar looks, but its performance was geared more toward environmentally conscious buyers.<\/p>\n

\"Buick<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Buick Regal\/Regal Tour X<\/h3>\n

The venerable Regal made a last stab at relevance in Buick\u2019s remade SUV lineup with a sportback sedan and a crossover wagon. A sleek sedan with hatchback utility, the Regal sought to combine the best of two worlds. Its sister Tour X was based on Europe\u2019s Opel Insignia Country Tourer, bringing Euro-wagon elegance to the U.S. Despite their best efforts, the Buicks succumbed to stereotype: Americans don\u2019t buy big sedans or wagons.<\/p>\n

\"Cadillac<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Cadillac CT6<\/h3>\n

Hatched as Cadillac\u2019s flagship sedan in 2016, CT6 brought a number of cutting-edge technologies to the brand including a lightweight\u00a0multi-metal chassis, Super Cruise driver-assist\u00a0and a twin-turbo Blackwing engine. Super Cruise and Tesla\u2019s Autopilot have led the way in semi-autonomous driving, and it will soon be in every vehicle in the Cadillac lineup. As\u00a0the CT6 bows out, it leaves the Escalade as Cadillac’s flagship.<\/p>\n

\"Chevrolet<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Chevrolet Impala<\/h3>\n

One of GM\u2019s most storied badges bites the dust. Again. In a past life, the Chevy Impala was the best-selling U.S. vehicle ever, selling more than 1 million units in 1965. After hiatus from 1996-2000, GM brought\u00a0 the big sedan back as a mainstay of police and rental fleets. With the large-sedan market cratering (and even police cars are moving to SUVs), Impala got one final, handsome makeover in 2014\u00a0as a handsome, roomy sedan with muscular hips that made the badge proud.<\/p>\n

\"Chevrolet<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Chevrolet\u00a0Sonic<\/h3>\n

With the departure of the Impala and Sonic, Chevy is waving the white flag on cars. The wee Spark and mid-size Malibu are all that remain against a sea of Asian sedans. The Sonic was a pert, affordable subcompact, but was perhaps best known in Detroit for its manufacturing lineage. Production of the Korean-made Sonic was moved to Orion Assembly after GM bankruptcy negotiations with the UAW. It leaves Orion as it converts to EV production.<\/p>\n

\"Dodge<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Dodge Grand Caravan<\/h3>\n

Dodge has become a muscle-car brand, and the Grand Caravan minivan doesn\u2019t fit in with the Brotherhood of Muscle since Dodge has no plans to stuff it with a Hellcat V-8. Still, Grand Caravan sold well until its last breath. The Chrysler Voyager will pick up where Caravan left off, offering family-value below $30,000.<\/p>\n

\"Dodge<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Dodge Journey<\/h3>\n

The aged Dodge Journey SUV was one of the best values on the market, offering three-row utility for a ridiculous starting price of $25,000. Media types griped about its 4-speed transmission and dated 2.5-liter engine, but the Journey was roomy with Dodge\u2019s superb Uconnect infotainment system.<\/p>\n

\"Fiat<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Fiat 124 Spider<\/h3>\n

A modern take on Fiat\u2019s classic 1960s roadster, the 124 was an attractive, affordable small sports car. Produced alongside the Mazda Miata \u2013 with which it shared a chassis and interior \u2014 in\u00a0Japan, the “Fiata” never sold as well as its Japanese twin.<\/p>\n

\"Fiat<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Fiat 500L<\/h3>\n

Fiat\u2019s little 500L compact wagon was the Pope\u2019s choice of wheels when he visited the White House in 2015, but it did little for the Fiat\u2019s profile in the U.S.\u00a0market. Cute as button, the Fiat just wasn\u2019t the brand Americans\u00a0were looking for when they went ute shopping. The 500L\u2019s demise leaves its sister SUV, the 500X, as the last Fiat standing in the U.S.\u00a0market.<\/p>\n

\"Ford<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Ford Fusion<\/h3>\n

The Fusion limps to the finish line as Ford transitions to an all-SUV brand. It seems like another lifetime ago, but when the 2013 Fusion debuted it turned heads as one of autodom\u2019s most beautiful sedans. It inspired a generation of Fords with Aston Martin-like grilles. Competing in the high-volume mid-size segment, the Fusion had it all. Options included all-wheel drive, a hybrid plug-in model, even a hopped-up V-6 muscle sedan. Look for the Fusion badge to return soon as a Subaru Outback-fighting crossover.<\/p>\n

\"Ford<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350\/350R<\/h3>\n

With its shrieking\u00a08,000-rpm engine and dual stripes, the Shelby GT350 (and track-focused R model) was an instant muscle icon. The first Shelby GT350 produced since the 1965 legend, the modern car had amenities \u2014 magnetic shocks, digital displays \u2014 that the original could only have dreamed of. Yet, the GT350\u2019s raw nature was intact with manual shifter only. In one last homage to the original Shelby, the last GT350s to roll off the line were dressed in Wimbledon White.<\/p>\n

\"Honda<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Honda Fit<\/h3>\n

One of the most versatile subcompacts in its class, the Honda Fit falls victim to the SUV onslaught. What it lacked in gerbil-power it made up for in practicality. The\u00a0Fit featured sippy mpg and a handy hatchback. Inside, its signature\u00a0second-row \u201cMagic Seats\u201d could be folded flat or folded up,\u00a0so you could roll a bicycle inside. The front passenger seat could be folded flat for extra cargo room.<\/p>\n

\"Jaguar<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Jaguar XE<\/h3>\n

Jaguar\u2019s entry-level, compact sedan couldn\u2019t compete with SUVs. Notice a theme here? Typical of Jaguar, the XE was a looker and a joy to drive through the twisties. Alas, the infotainment system was slow and the back seat tight. With the loss of V-6 and diesel engine options for 2020, the XE was neglected.<\/p>\n

\"Jaguar<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Jaguar XF Sportbrake<\/h3>\n

The XF Sportbrake was a stunning Brit wagon in a Yankee market that does not prize wagons. The Sportbrake crossed the pond and wowed with all-wheel-drive handling and hot styling. Step up to the V-6-powered\u00a0380-horse S model and you could pick on Porsches on the way to soccer practice.<\/p>\n

\"Kia<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Kia Optima<\/h3>\n

Optima, meet the new Kia K5. Kia\u2019s Optima was one of the prettiest sedans in its segment and helped establish Hyundai\u2019s sister brand as an upscale buy. Don\u2019t cry for the Optima, though. The K5 is even better looking while offering luxury amenities for under $30,000.<\/p>\n

\"Lexus<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Lexus GS<\/h3>\n

Not even the strong Lexus brand could save the GS sedan. Slotted between the sporty, compact ES and the top-drawer LX, the vanilla GS got lost. Lexus customers prefer the best-selling RX350 SUV when shopping for a mid-sizer. And if you\u2019re looking for a luxurious sedan, the Toyota Avalon is a better buy, anyway.<\/p>\n

\"Lincoln<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Lincoln Continental<\/h3>\n

The flagship Lincoln Continental wowed the 2017 Detroit auto show.\u00a0Resurrecting the brand\u2019s storied badge, the Continental debuted with a host of knockout features inside its elegant shell. There were 30-way front seats\u00a0and a rear seat as nice as a boardroom. Those features eventually trickled down to more popular SUVs. Its work done, the sedan is being put out the pasture.<\/p>\n

\"Lincoln<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Lincoln MKZ<\/h3>\n

Also out to pasture is the mid-size Lincoln MKZ sedan. It will be missed. The MKZ\u2019s shapely bod still turns heads and many competitors have adopted its stylish, horizontal tail light. Built on the same front-wheel-drive platform as the retiring Ford Fusion, the MKZ lacked the gusto found in competitors like Acura and Cadillac.<\/p>\n

\"Mercedes-Benz<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Mercedes-Benz SLC\/SLK<\/h3>\n

The Mercedes SLC Roadster and its SLK hardtop twin bow out, and the luxury class will be less fun without it. The SLC in particular was a topless, weekend joyride. The 241-horse turbo-4 was a treat, even if the interior felt dated.<\/p>\n

\"Nissan<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Nissan 370Z<\/h3>\n

Nissan\u2019s affordable 370Z\u00a0sports car exits stage-right. The Z Proto concept indicates a sequel is on the way, albeit at a significant price jump into the mid-$40,000\u00a0range. The $30,000\u00a0370Z may have been getting long in the tooth, but its V-6 engine was a hoot.<\/p>\n

\"Subaru<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Subaru BRZ<\/h3>\n

The Subaru BRZ sports car takes a one-year sabbatical. The good news is it will come back better than ever for 2022. One of the most fun, affordable sports cars around, the next-gen BRZ will have a stiffer chassis, 10% more horsepower\u00a0and updated styling. Good things come in twos, and BRZ will also have a twin sold as a Toyota 86.<\/p>\n

\"Toyota<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Toyota Yaris<\/h3>\n

One of the most affordable cars in the market, the wee Toyota Yaris was a starter car with punch. Based on the Mazda2 chassis, it was fun to throw around. With 40 mpg and easy-to-park dimensions, it was an urban favorite. Entry-level Toyota buyers will have to cough up an\u00a0extra $4,000 and\u00a0buy a Corolla.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A long list of sedans introduced with great fanfare just a few years ago have been quietly retired for the 2021 model year. The industry is experiencing radical change, and vehicles have to prove relevant to keep up. Sedans\u00a0have been displaced by SUVs as Americans\u2019 favorite vehicles. Trucks are the new lux. Manufacturers are pouring […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26554"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26554"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26554\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26555,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26554\/revisions\/26555"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26554"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26554"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26554"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}